Rodney Lawrence Trust crowned charity of the year by Theale company

Formed in May last year (2013) and officially launched in the village in September, The Rodney Lawrence Trust was established in memory of a toddler (pictured) from the village who died three years ago in a garden pond accident, and by Rodney’s parents, Marie and John Lawrence.
Trustee, Jo Gunter, said the trust was thrilled when Theale company, Coles Baby Bay, contacted them with congratulations after the trust had polled the most votes online to become the company’s chosen charity this year.
Coles Baby Bay, a global auction site dedicated to children aged 0 to five, posted the following statement on Facebook on Monday (Jan 6):
“We are very pleased to announce that due to overwhelming support our official Coles Baby Bay # charity will be The Rodney Lawrence Trust!”
Funds for the trust were also boosted by a total £1,200 over Christmas, thanks to the proceeds of donations at about three Christmas carol concerts held at St Mary’s church in the village, including one held on Saturday December 14, when the church was packed, and those invited included mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Dan Putty.
Performers included the Kingsclere Singers and youngsters Freya Collington and Grace Goslin who both sang solos, with refreshments including mulled wine, mince pies and a raffle.
“It was a beautiful evening,” said Mrs Gunter, adding thanks on behalf of the trust to choirmistress, Hazel O’Leary, a long-standing neighbour of Mr and Mrs Lawrence, who had known Rodney and recommended the charity as the beneficiary of the concert.
The trust funded the Dec 12 children’s Christmas party at the Fieldgate Centre in the village, attended by about 100 children and their parents/carers, including 30 children aged O to 4 and another 64 strong group of four to nine year-olds, with a tea party, present for each child and evening disco for 10 to 14 year-olds.
“Andrew Balding, owner of Park House stables in the village donated £100, but It was otherwise all funded by the trust - I’ve no idea how much it cost them. Without the support of the trust we would have had a smaller party,” said Lesley Farey,a spokeswoman for the centre, adding Mrs Lawrence had done all the shopping, together with her mother:
“They did all the present buying and wrapping and food buying and preparation - they were there from 10am to 9pm,” said Mrs Farey.
The Rodney Lawrence Trust aims to help young people achieve their goals, source play equipment for local groups and help children and families faced with life-threatening conditions.